In mid to late August in South Florida, most schools will reopen. This means thousands of children and teenagers will return to their classrooms and books. It means a return to homework assignments and afterschool activities. Many teenagers who worked during the summer will have to work fewer hours during the academic year. For teachers, it means a return to work after a long summer. For older students, many of whom are retraining for new careers, it means additional work on top of regular jobs.

"I have enjoyed my summer off. I work as an elementary school teacher and I like having time to read, go the beach, visit friends and just getting away from the classroom. But after a long summer, I am ready to return to teaching. I miss the kids and I miss having a place to go everyday," said Kim Blackman.

"I am just getting started on my teaching career and I can't wait to get in front of the classroom. I worked in the restaurant industry for many years and I wanted to do something else. I wanted to be in a position where I could make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I received training to be a middle school math teacher and I will be starting at a middle school this fall. I am looking forward to it and meeting the students and the parents," said Richard Holt.

"Teaching is a very rewarding profession and is something I love to do. I actually taught during the summer and I love being around young people. I am looking forward to the upcoming school year and I like the fact that what I do really matters for the future of our nation," said Stacy Brantley.

"I worked a lot during the summer at a restaurant. Now that that the school year is about to start I will have to work fewer hours. But that is OK, I would rather be in school than working in a restaurant," said Miguel Gonzalez.

"I will be going back to college in Orlando so I will have to leave my job at a grocery store. I am looking forward to going back to college and getting back together with my friends. I am looking forward to my classes," said Meagan Burke.

Many of the students returning to high school and college will be focusing on science, math and technical education. "I am hoping to pursue a career in computer science. There are many high paying jobs in the computer industry," said Jackie Bauer.

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David Volz has been a South Florida area writer for more than 21 years. He has written extensively for the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, South Florida Business Journal, Employment Digest, Physician's Financial News and many other publications. He has written extensively on labor relations, small business development and education. Volz has has a Master of Arts degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He teaches Communication at Broward College and Miami Dade College.